Truck drivers ‘miraculously’ emerge nearly unscathed from explosions and fire after Hume Highway truck crash | New South Wales

Police say it is “nothing short of a miracle” that six truck drivers escaped relatively unhurt after an explosive crash involving semi-trailers carrying tonnes of flammable material on a major New South Wales highway.

Police said two trucks collided as they pulled into a roadside rest stop, with one truck hitting four other trucks on the Hume Highway near Breadalbane in the state’s southern tablelands just after 5am on Tuesday morning.

One of the trucks was carrying an eight-ton butane canister, causing several small explosions as firefighters arrived at the scene. Other trucks involved were carrying alcohol, resin and memory foam, which fueled the subsequent fire.

In the fire, which was later extinguished, 6 trucks became unusable.

Acting Inspector Vladimir Mijok said that six male truck drivers have been identified and investigations into the accident are continuing.

“Emergency services encountered a pretty horrific scene this morning and we couldn’t get close enough due to the smoke and flames, but we have now confirmed there were six trucks and we have six drivers as well,” he said.

“It is nothing short of a miracle that all six drivers managed to escape and none of them were seriously injured.”

Police said the drivers suffered minor injuries and were treated by NSW ambulance crews. Two people were taken to Goulburn hospital for mandatory testing.

Fire and Rescue NSW sent seven fire engines to the scene, including two hazmat vehicles and up to 40 firefighters.

The Hume Highway remained closed in both directions from 11am; motorists have been advised to allow more than an hour for extra travel time from Canberra on the Federal and Barton highways.

Police said given the amount of debris and potentially hazardous materials left after the crash, it could be some time before the roadway, particularly the northbound lanes, are reopened.

A crime scene has been established and the accident investigation unit will assist with investigations.